Author: John Abela
Posted Mar 03 2007 02:29:24am
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Hello hisway,
I think I am with you on this one.
Interestingly enough a recent survey has indicated that facebook is now putting the serious hurt to myspace!
Perhaps one of the most interesting bit in that article is this:
| Ad Age reported in October: |
What is most interesting of all...
Nearly 85% of all active ChristianBlog.Com members are over the age of 30. To me, this shows that the older generation is truly looking for a safe place where true ministry and fellowship takes place... rather than just social-networking.
While I would tend to say that other sectors of the internet should be called "Sodom & Gomorroh"... when it comes to social-networking websites, I would tend to say that MySpace is the closest to being just that!
Yeah, very true!
I think that is another thing that makes ChristianBlog.Com so awesome! Just yesterday there were some people blogging about how ChristianBlog.Com is more of a "others, rather than ME" website!
As leslea said:
And allforhim too!
It is things like this that make websites like ChristianBlog.Com sooo much different from websites like MySpace. And, it is what makes websites like ChristianBlog.Com just so very important to the entire family of Christ!
Anyway, that is "my take" on this issue! (ps, never commented on one of your blog entries before... welcome to the website!)
John B. Abela |
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Author: allforhim
Posted Mar 03 2007 03:21:58am
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 Kudos! I am in so much agreement here. I checked out My Space and it is filth, utter filth. The pictures people post are basically pornography and unfortunately I am subjected to them at work where I literally have to turn my head and shield my eyes from them. I am so glad there are other Christians that have a strong sense of separation, being in the world but not of it. I am afraid in a place like My Space that as opposed to being a light you will be pulled into the very darkness you are trying to shine in. Thank you Hisway and AbelaJohn! Andrea |
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Author: jploof
Posted Mar 03 2007 08:32:15am
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I have been a member of mysace for a few years now and although I understand your point of view, I have to disagree with you to a great extent on this subject. I'll take you point by point and make my points along the way. First of all let me say that I am a huge fan of Dr. Ravi Zacharias ( see rzim.org) and therefore I am quite fond of his teaching of answering a question with a question to cause a questioner to examine the assumptions contained within their question.
So, my question to you is: What is wrong with Myspace that is not or could be essentially wrong with the whole of the internet? I would beg of you to please take some time to really consider and pray about that question before moving on to my point by point dissection of your argument.
You begin by relating Myspace to the Sodom & Gomorrah of the internet. I may interpret the scriptures differently than you but in my reading of Genesis 18:16 - 19:29 I do see that the cities where destroyed for their sin, but not before the man of God (Abraham) plead for God's hand to be stayed from them. I believe that it was not just to save those righteous that he believed might reside within the city, but because righteous people residing in the city could have been the hope for restoration of the city to righteousness. Therefore if there are righteous christians who "inhabit" the sinful world of Myspace and yet inhabit it as righteous christian ( in that world but not of that world) then can it not only be for the ultimate good? I would venture to guess that it definitely passes the minimum test Abraham asked of God when informed of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah when he asked "What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?" And God ofcourse answered, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."
Next you speak of the desensitization of the body of believers to the point that we walk in the pits of hell as if it is safe ground. I will not presume to speak for the body of believers in any way but only for myself. I believe that by God's power in my life and by the power of the Holy Spirit within me that I can walk where even the angels fear to go and not be afraid. I believe that as long as the power of God's is with me and I walk in his will that I can walk safely through the very pits of hell and come out not even smelling of smoke. That is not desensitization it is a manifestation of the faith I have in my God. I'm not saying that some believers have not become desensitized, just that it is dangerous on this subject to make such a generalization about the entire body.
I have not read the book that you mentioned, but I think on the subject of compromise we can find a point of agreement. A great many christians in this day seem predisposed to compromise core foundational beliefs for the illusion of unity and diversity. Rush Limbaugh says "When you compromise with evil, evil always wins". The Bible says it even better when it speaks of man not being able to serve two masters. But whom do I serve in my myspace membership? If I as a christian serve anything other than the will of God with any membership I hold then I am in error. Even a church membership can be used to the same evil purposes that you see Myspace membership being used for. My principals as a christian do not preclude me fro membership in an open forum like myspace where my views can be freely expressed. Our views as christians are exclusivistic but our right to express them should not be lest we risk turning away the very ones we are called to go out to.
I could go on for many more lines about this but I want you to know that I offer these things as insites not as criticisms. The important thing is that we both believe in the saving work Christ above all things, everything else will work itself out in God's time. I'm very interested to know, though, what you think about what I have had to say. Thank you for your time.
Joey |
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Author: lunky
Posted Mar 03 2007 09:27:46am
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Joey,
I think hisway's generalization about MySpace is an accurate one overall. I don't see the danger in generalizing...it's true! We definitely are a minority on that site. I have thought about going on before to share my faith to others who might stumble upon me in cyberspace. hisway also says this though: "There may be a few that the Lord has called to go into such dens to evangelize, but you must be 100% sure that it is the Lord sending you and not the enemy drawing you through the desires of your own flesh." From what you are saying, Joey, I would consider you one of these "few." I think it is a worthy effort of someone like yourself or others who have the Shield and Armor or God to enter these dens and try to spread the good Word. In hisway's assessment, however, we should do our utmost to shield our young and impressionable ones from these sinful sites until they are mature enough and wise enough in the Lord to take on the challenges they pose in spreading His Word in such places.
To John B Abela...you mentioned 85% were above 30 yrs, how members are there total?
God bless all,
lunky |
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Author: jploof
Posted Mar 03 2007 10:04:04am
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Since when are we a minority? It may be a little cliche but haven't you ever heard it said that "God and I are always a majority"? We lead ourselves into the temptation to be very timid indeed when we measure our place in this world my the ruler that the world gives us, namely that of the number people who support us. I don't see anything at all wrong with someone saying that they felt lead of the Holy Spirit to get out of myspace. That is a personal leading. To then transfer that personal leading onto others may at some times be a mistake. We all have our purpose and our place. Someone who is a rightoues follower of Christ may have a divinely given purpose from God to be an apologist for God among the sinful masses of Myspace. If God be for that person who can be against him?
Again I say that if you as an individual feel like you are led not to be on Myspace that is understandable. I think, however, that some among us will be and should be led to come boldly against those things which threaten to tear our world apart wherever they be in God's name. :) |
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Author: poodlelady
Posted Mar 03 2007 10:05:26am
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Hi jploof
I have a My Space too. I have many good Christian friends there and have even developed some stong personal Christians relationships with a handful of these people. I believe that it is what you make of it. You have to chose your friends wisley just as you do with all your friends. You have to chose what you will look at when selecting a "comment" just as you have to chose your movies and the TV shows you watch. You have to chose your conversations just as you would at work at the grocery store and even at church. You are to be in the world not of the world and that is a choice you must make every day of your life.
My Space is not for everyone but God does have His people there and the Christian membership is growing there. However it is NOT a safe and protected enviorment like CB is. That is what makes this sight such a Great place to be and why so many Christians are enjoying it and it's membership is growing in leaps and bounds.
Love in Christ
PoodleLady |
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Author: meenigma
Posted Mar 03 2007 10:06:32am
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Although I see why you say it is sodom and gamorah on the internet, I may disagree, though the site in itself may have wrong intentions, I believe its how you us it, I have a myspace and I only use it go message some of my friends that are in a different city, I don't talk to anyone I don't know, (although I have before,) It is not something I am about to do again, Thankyou I will tread more cautiously on "myspace" Thankyou HISWAY |
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Author: jploof
Posted Mar 03 2007 10:19:10am
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Poodlelady,
Good point. I do, by the way, believe that children should not be allowed to use Myspace. In fact I believe that parents should be wary of allowing children to use the internet without close supervision at all. I will say that I don't yet have any children so that may disqualify my opinion somewhat, lol. |
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Author: jploof
Posted Mar 03 2007 10:43:45am
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Lunky,
I don't disagree with you in that respect. My counterpoint was simple to pose the question of why does that matter when God is on our side? |
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Author: songbird
Posted Mar 03 2007 02:19:16pm
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Hey!! WAKE UP!! The LORD is needed EVERYWHERE!! I too have a "my space"!!
And I CONTROL who,what,when,and where on MY PAGE!! I do not feel a need to go looking for trouble on that site!! I do not accept anyone who I think could be of poor character standing!! I have found ALOT of Christain friends there!! Who also devote there time there to worthy messages of "Christain nature!!" I have helped others there find there way back to the LORD!! It is what YOU make it!!!! And if that is where the help is needed, then why not be there?? If every Christain only told of God's love in church, what would the use be to the person not there?????? I'm not saying it don't take one who is VERY STRONG in there commitment to the LORD"S work to be there!! IT DOES!!
Some are brave enough to go to the dark roads to share there light, others are not!! But who are ANY of us to judge anyone?
INTENSIONS: that is the root of it!! GO WITH THE INTENSION of spreading GOD"S word where its needed!! You'll have NO trouble!!
If enough CHRISTAINS joined, think of the turn around it will have!!!!!
GOD BLESS ALL who are there to do good work!! |
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Author: prasnhym
Posted Mar 03 2007 05:45:35pm
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This is the 5th time i have written this post...with either computer lagging till i am logged off or it freezing as i hit post... really makes you wonder
I just wanted to add my 2 cents and make a couple of points...
Awhile back i went looking thru myspace... i found alot of "big named" ministries and "big named" worship people. When i get on one of those i can go thru the network to many more of them. I can watch sermons and worship videos. I made a page for myself with devotionals, videos and music. I want to minister to others and be ministered to. I think we can be a light in the darkness...i think we are supposed to be lights in the darkness. I was once brought out of that darkness into His glorious light. I had a part in my dad and my sister coming out of that darkness and going home to Heaven. Jesus didn't come to earth for the "well". There is a quote that says "All that is required for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing".
There is ALOT of BAD on myspace. I have seen some of the bad and quit looking. It is not a place for everyone. I would not want my daughter there without supervision. Some will feel "checks" in their spirits and know that it is not a place for them. A bar is not a place for an ex alcoholic to go witnessing...
We should not all be linked together...we should all be led by our Father, Who does a pretty good job of leading when we follow...He led some to the Jews and some to the Gentiles.
I absolutely love Christianblog.com and am so grateful to John for this site where many diverse opinions can be discussed. Where we can get different aspects on different subjects...
Blessings to you
Tia |
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Author: songbird
Posted Mar 04 2007 10:31:28am
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Matthew 21:27-(on this verse my feet are firmly planted!!, Please read it!)
I know in my own heart where the Lord has set my feet to tread! It is not for me to justify following his orders, only to do his work as he orders it done!!
Matthew 23:13- You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces!
Luke 12:47-That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows! 48: everyone who has been given much,much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much,much more will be asked.
Mark 2:17-on hearing this Jesus said" It is not the healthy who need a doctor,but the sick,I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners"
Luke 15-7-" I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent"
Matthew 18:14-In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any one of these little ones be lost.
Luke 11:28- He replied,"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it"
33:-"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden,or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand,so that those who come in may see the light.36:Therefore,if your whole body is full of light,and no part of it is dark,it will be completely lighted,as when the light of a lamp shines on you"
Matthew 15:8 -These people honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me.9: They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.
10: Jesus called the crowds to him and said," Listen and understand."
What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean", But what comes out of his mouth that is what makes him unclean".
19:For out of the heart come evil thoughts,murder,adultery,sexual immorality, theft,false testimony,slander. 20: These are what make a man unclean; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean".
25:The woman came and knelt before him."Lord help me!" she said.
26: He replied,"It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
27: "Yes, Lord", she said,"but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table".
28: Then Jesus answered, "Woman,you have great faith! Your request is granted."
Luke 13:7-I've been coming looking for fruit on this fig tree and have'nt found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil? 8: Sir ,the man replied, leave it alone for one more year,and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9:If it bears fruit next year,fine! If not,then cut it down.
Luke 17: Jesus said to his disciples :"Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come." 3:So watch yourselves."
10: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty".
Matthew7:24-Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
26: But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand"
Luke 27: Jesus replied,"What is impossible with men is possible with God".
I did not say that I felt "My space" was a good place!!
I did not say it was brimming with the light of the Lord!!
I said I was sent there for a reason!! By the Lord!!
Would I say to a child to get on there NO!!
I'm saying the Lord has a plan for all of us!! He uses us where we are needed BY HIM!!
I feel good when I help someone see what the Bible says about the way this world has turned its back on God!!
And when the Lord says this tree will not bear fruit, THEN I will cut it down!!!!!!!!
I will not argue the fact that it is filled with what turns my stomach.
But my will to reach just that one lost lamb, gives me hope that all is not lost!!
So all I need from you for a reply is that you will pray that the Lord guides me,that I will stay strong in the face of criticism for doing his work, that I will reach those who need it!!
I sure do not need a lecture on my reasons, on my belief in where the Lord has sent me, or your opinions on my calling!!
YOUR PRAYERS I DO NEED!!!!! |
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Author: poodlelady
Posted Mar 04 2007 08:04:55pm
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So you heard My Space was filth and garbage and you went their to look for it and found it -so it's just what you went looking for.
I went their looking for Christian fellowship and Christian friends and that is exactly what I found.
Like everything in life you will usually find just what you are looking for.
God Bless |
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Author: John Abela
Posted Mar 05 2007 08:59:58am
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I believe what poddlelady is saying is that sometimes life just happens.
Sometimes, you know, life just has that way of ending up where it ends up. And, sometimes we help it out along the way be searching out certain things.
Just because we choose to seek-out something something specific - or choose not to do so - does not mean we will always find, or not find, that specific something.
How often do we visit a website on the internet *hoping* to find the content we went there looking for, and end up at five other sites from visiting that one site we went to hoping to find something at.
That is the awesome (and sometimes not awesome) fact of life on the internet.
John B. Abela |
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Author: coachdennis
Posted Jun 26 2007 10:03:58am
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Wow - this was some great reading. For me - my first impression of myspace was not that good. I was talking with a praise & worship leader the other day & we talked about it. One thing that really stood out -we have to be willing to be critised for being on there by those Christians that simply see it as a horrible place. I have an account now with myspace- my thoughts are to place me & my business in as many areas that I feel are "safe" and I can have impact on the Christian and non Christian alike. We are not to avoid the world- we are not to act like it - but we certainly can lead it to better things - & to Christ..
hisway - just want to say be blessed as you are a blessing!
Running the race to win,
Dennis |
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Author: slpung
Posted Aug 03 2007 12:04:24pm
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I do agree that there is a lot of filth on myspace as there is on the internet it's self, but it can also be a tool to spread God's word. Our youth group has a site on MySpace and it is a wonderful tool to introduce our youth group to other teens in town. We have actually had teens come to our meetings due to finding us on myspace. |
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Author: catholicchristian
Posted Aug 22 2007 05:33:22pm
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I think to use myspace one must be solid in their faith. I refuse to use that web site because I believe it to be an inappropriate site. However, I do know that there are some people who USE the site to evangelize others. I'm the type of person who will protest and boycott. That's how I respond to companies and issues I feel strongly about. So my kids are not allowed on myspace, nor do I go there. Knowing there are troubled folks out there going through myspace, I can only hope and pray that those who do post to evangelize or to bring the Word of God to others, will be touched by the Holy Spirit when scanning through myspace. |
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Author: heartlanddoulos
Posted Aug 27 2007 12:38:43pm
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I use myspace to keep up with my grown son who have moved to another part of the country. I also use myspace to bring light to those who live in darkness. I bring scripture to those who would not even touch a Bible let alone read one. I also can pray intelligently BY NAME for those who I meet that they will look to Jesuis Christ by faith and walk across the line of faith. I might be a seed planter, or a seed waterer, or praise the Lord a seed harvester!
I am convinced if a Christ Follower is mature enough to live an authentic Christian life and is familiar with wiles of accuser of the Brethren he/she can move in the enemies territory in order show those who are enslaved there the ONLY way OUT. I think for those of you who have a problem with it you need to stay clear of myspace as it is sin to you. But please allow those of us that it is not sin for us the grace to use this medium to the glory of God. I am not suggesting any of you who have a problem with myspace are being judgmental of those of us who are - - God knows if that is true or not it is not my place to make that judgement -- nor is your place to judge those of us who do use myspace for ministry opportunities.
I would like to think that you would wish us God's Speed as we embark on this missionary effort.
Grace and Peace from the Heartland |
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Author: mysticwings
Posted Aug 28 2007 05:32:11am
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Many of you have great points. But does not the Lord say," we can love the world, but not be in it"? Christians can be in myspace but not have to be part of a lot of what is going on in it. I too have a myspace. I feel that just having the Christian presents around in that kind of environment is just like having a pastor walk into a bar to show his love and compassion. Can we not do that as well on myspace? Some of my favorite Christian artists have a myspace; Michael W. Smith, Mark Schultz, Third Day. I feel that even if just one person is curious about my Christianity when they visit my page, I would love to be able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. So, my opinion is that having Christian myspace pages could be a Blessing to someone. |
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Author: rivermandan
Posted Aug 30 2007 10:20:21pm
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My wife and I are crusade evangelists. We have our ministry on myspace. We're being light in a dark place. I thought that was what Jesus wanted us to do. I'm suprised at the opposition to being a light in a dark place.
Rivermandan |
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Author: patienceisavirtue
Posted Sep 01 2007 08:39:30pm
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I love the discussion that is going on here. As a teen is a technology generation anything that connects people to other people is what kids want. Every high schooler I know has a myspace. Every college student I know has a myspace. My older brother has a myspace. The 9 year-old boy I nanny for has a myspace. What is this world coming to. Your saying where you live, where you go to school, your age (real or fake), then most people post provocative pictures on it. If you chose to use it, just remember to use it carefully and be safe. It is full of temptation, one of the devils favorite things. I agree with everyone in one way or another. And I think everyone is free to do what they want and like what they want. But all I know is I'm sticking to Christainblog.com!!!
God Bless All - Mary |
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Author: rivermandan
Posted Sep 01 2007 09:32:47pm
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Thanks for the blessing pastor Russ, you be blessed as you serve the Lord as well. I also agree that we have to follow our convictions. My response to Sharlacc is that our ministry isn't aren't yoked with the darkness, yet many Christians who venture into those waters are. I know people who minister in bars, successfully and I've known others who've fallen, just by getting to close to the darkness. I don't believe myspace is for kids or Christians who aren't really well grounded and I'm in agreement that it's not a good place for a Christian, unless they are truly being a light in a dark place.
Rivermandan |
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Author: elizabeth
Posted Sep 02 2007 03:56:02pm
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I do not think that Myspace would be a very good site to blog on because of all of the other bad stuff on the site. I know Christians that have myspace pages, but many of the people I know have quit blogging or switched over to Facebook because they say it is better (I'm not saying it is because I don't know much about Facebook). I definitely don't think a kid should be on myspace because of all the bad things on the site. My family has Bsafe online enabled on our computer and I am not even allowed to get on my Christian friends profiles even if there is no bad stuff on that profile. I also heard a song by KJ-52 called Fanmail (it's off his new CD The Yearbook) and one of the verses was a letter from a kid who was addicted to  and he was getting it mostly off Myspace. I just don't think that that site has a very good atmosphere for Christians. The Bible says to stay away from all appearance of evil and to be separate from the world and being on Myspace is not that. On myspace being like Sodom and Gomorrah: Lot moved near Sodom and even though he didn't plan to originally, by the end of the story he not only lived in the city, but he was sitting at the gate (which means that he had a high position in the city). I'm not saying that every Christian who has a profile on Myspace will end up really bad, but it could very well happen. Just hit one wrong button and bad things could pop up. Myspace is something that Christians should be very careful about.
-Elizabeth :) |
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Author: goodnews
Posted Sep 03 2007 07:53:10am
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While I do not condone some of the goings on on MySpace in any way shape or form, I would also like to throw out there that if the Devil can use something, so can God. The internet is a fact of life today, and a way to reach people. A Myspace account can be protected from garbage, and kept clean, just as you can keep yourself from filth while working in the world. Being IN the world but not OF it in other words.
Some very good pastors and teachers post on Myspace also.
Your comments about Keith Green touch me and bring back memories. His music is from my generation. I saw Keith Green live in Los Angeles in 1979 in concert with 2nd Chapter of Acts and Barry McGuire. I will never forget it.
I would like to point out though, that there is a MySpace account for Keith Green. Can't reach the lost by not associating with them in any way. No Compromise (a theme of Keith's) is of coarse the key.
No compromise with the world, but not isolation from it either. Our time of no more sin around us will soon be here. In the meantime we have a mission on this world.
The best missionaries I know are those who go right into the trenches to reach those whom Jesus died for also.
Just my opinion of coarse
Sincerely
goodnews |
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Author: barukhashem
Posted Sep 18 2007 06:46:25pm
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I have prayed about this topic and I feel that the Lord has placed a burden on my heart about it. I really think for us to evaluate whether something is right or wrong in the life and walk of other Christians puts us on a fine line of over correcting our brothers and sisters in a calling that God may have placed in thir life. What is sin to one is not to another. I do not struggle with alcohol yet my brother might so God may call me to the board walk of bars to witness to many and not my brother. God knows our hearts and what each can handle. For those who weep for the suffering of the Spirit by the enemy and revolts against the sin he has place upon this world may be too sensitive in the spirit to be a amidst such sins where a brother or sister may be gifted in the spirit to confront that which attacks this world and bring truth to those it attacks. I feel that if God leads a person to a particularly ministry - regardless of what it looks like - and we do not obey that calling - then that too is a sin. What our brothers and sisters allow on thir web-sites is for God to judge and our duty to "gently" correct and then pray over. When we post comments of opinions as to what is right or wrong for other Christians to do - then will not God judge us in the same way. I do not condone nor condem Myspace. Just like I do not fret over fire for which could be used for good and for evil - it can warm us when we are cold and burn us when we stumble. Only those who are capable of handling fire should have access to it and for those who can't should stay clear. What the Devil means for evil God can and will use for good. If God convicts the heart of a person to remain distant from the fire then it is thir duty to walk in obedience in that place (peacefully) however it is not thir responsibility to fret over those whom he has chosen to remain in the midst of the fire - for it is those whom he has trained and equipped to do so. We need to focus on the calling for which he has for our lives and pray over those who walk a path separate from ours - without condemnation or opinions. I believe there are many who desire to be called as those who are chosen to endure the fire. However, because God did not call them there they suffer burns and eventually stumble into the flames of temptation. We must remember that this a spiritual war that we are fighting and not all are called to the front lines. I respect those who submit to the calling of God not to participate in walking the streets of Myspace. I may be God's will and has not called you specifically to that street of ministry. I have learned as an envangelist who is not afraid of the "sinners" of the world and who takes joy in communicating with those in such streets as these - that as servants like us who are called to the front lines we need those who are not called to embrace those who receive the message of Christ that is given by these front line warriors. To be there when the lost sheep choses to return to the 99 (possibly your church) looking for answers and love. I have had people whom I have allowed as friends on my site and yet their sites are not as equally holistic to mine. Who is to say that the relationship being built between me and them isn't one that God is using bring a lost sheep home. In the same light if I had a friend (in which I do) that is an atheist and stops in for a visit while you (a Christian) is visiting and this person presents themselves in a manner that is ungodly - based on language appearance and demeanor - am I to be judged or questioned for having such a friend in my life or should my brother or sister embrace that which God has done in leading this person into my life - so that the veil that covers their eyes can be lifted.
The point that I making is that streets like Myspace is not going to go away - as a matter of fact they will only get bigger and they will only multiply. This world is not getting less sinful and our streets, schools, tvs, and neighborhoods are not getting any safer or cleaner. I believe we do live in a world surrounded by the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah. The question Christians need to ask themselves and God ...is in this world that denies Christ where is my place of ministry and how can I can I make a difference in the lives of those you have brought to me that are lost. Most importantly how can I embrace and pray for my brothers and sisters in the ministry you have called them to- even though it may not look like mine. Paul was primarily sent to the gentiles and Peter was sent to the Jews. Gentiles were a people that a Jew was considered to be unclean by hanging around with; yet Paul was called to such a people so that their eyes may see the light. The people did not naturally come to him and had to go to them where they lived ~ He died for that cause. He lived in streets covered in sin and the worship of other Gods. He built relationships with these people. He spoke truth and walked truth so that the eyes of these sinners could see for the first time. It is when we can endure the fire of the enemy through the protection of the Holy Spirit that freedom for others trapped in such sin is released . Many called but few are chosen. To reach a Jew you must be as a Jew to reach a gentile you must be as a gentile you must be able meet them where they are at and without actually becoming one of them ..Paul did it in a world where Christians were killed for walking such streets and preaching God's word ..internet, tv, bars, ect are our streets. Yet we have the freedom from death to profess the word of God. Timothy was called to the church and Paul as an apostle. Where would be and where would Timothy be today? Where is God calling you today and who is he calling you to pray for. We must lift up our brothers and sisters and encourage and pray for them as we would a missionary going to Iraq to witness to an Iraq Soldier - on the front line and at their level.
Last but not least I feel we all should pray for Tom the owner of the site. Pray for his salvation for it will be through the testimony of his salvation that many using his sites can be saved.
Shalom |
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Author: maddie
Posted Sep 18 2007 07:08:54pm
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You are correct children should not be on myspace. Neither should anyone who has a weakness to fall to temptation.
However, I am glad my cousin was brave enough to follow the leadings of the Holy Ghost and minister to me on the internet for a year.
Because that is how I got saved.
The missionaries I know who go to Africa are not be sheltered from Witch Doctors dancing around their camp conuring up curses against them. They are not sheltered from children who contracted the aids virus due to the life styles the witch doctors promote. Nor did Jesus flee from the woman at the well.
But there are limits. An x-alcoholic (I'm not going to argue recovery or cure it's just a term) most likely should not be the one to witness in a bar. It's a stumbling block. A guy addicted to should not be in strip joints, etc. etc. etc.
I did drop in on myspace and I wasn't exactly impressed myself. I don't feel a calling to go there, nor do I feel any temptation about the place. It's not my cup of tea.
I can agree that it's most likely not the website for most Christians, but I don't think we should be afraid to walk through it unless it's a temptation for you, then the bible says to flea it. Doesn't the bible say something about anything that has mastery over you is a sin??? |
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Author: hazellou
Posted Oct 07 2007 10:05:57am
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I totally agree that My Space is the devil's playground. I have seen relationships wrecked by this site when people were lured in thinking it is just a place to meet new people. I believe the devil has agents on My Space to destroy lives. I wish i knew of a way to block the entire site from my computer. We need more safe places for people to meet and discuss issues without worrying that the other person is trying to lure you in to sin. Teenagers especially need a safe place i know most of the sites have an age requirement but I also no people lie. I hope My Space fades away as most fads for teens do. |
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Author: bigwavedave3
Posted Oct 23 2007 03:00:13pm
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Wow, this blog has defintiely sparked a lot of talk. Months worth!
So, I'll throw my one penny in...
I have to admit. I have a myspace. DUN DUN DUN!!!
I made it when myspace first became popular and while I use facebook more now, I still check it every now and then. I do like myspace for the access to Christian bands. I love music and several friends have band sites on myspace that plays music, has information about tour dates, etc. But...
When I first created my profile there, I think it was a lot cleaner. I don't remember being quite as shocked about what I see these days there. I get friend requests all the time from beautiful women who are actually links to pornographic sites. There was even a few women who sent me messages to come check out there "other" webpages. The site is really nothing more than bait to draw men into things they don't need to be viewing. I know, because I have certainly been tempted when checking myspace to check out those said pages. Maybe that makes me weak...I think it makes me a normal human male.
Anyway, a word of caution:
I used to blog on myspace all of the time. Great Christian blogs, even. I would tell others that I was on myspace because I wanted to reach the lost. I wanted to be a light. I used to say that it matters not that you are ON myspace, but what you DO on myspace. That may have been true in the early days of myspace, but at its current state...I don't think so. That's like saying "Hey, I'm gonna be a light. I'm going to the adult video store wearing a Christian t-shirt." I doubt it works that way. So. Be careful. Pray. If you feel God has called you to be a light to myspace, get some brothers and sisters you know to watch as you blog or "witness" or whatever. At least you won't be tempted when you are on there. |
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Author: bigwavedave3
Posted Oct 24 2007 06:30:57am
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Hisway,
I think my comment was a bit misunderstood. Words on paper (or html or whatever) can only convey so much. :)
Anyway, Just to clarify, in the friend's request folder there is the profile picture of the person who sent you a message. The first time I received such a friend request the picture was of a normal lady, nothing inappropriate or immodest. I clicked on her page to see who this person was and there discovered the link to the pornographic websites. Fortunately I did not go to that link. I realized what that page was really about and backed out quickly. Since that time, my page has been literally bombarded with friend requests from all kinds of women. I assume they were all such links, but I have not once clicked on them. So, not to heap praise on myself, but I have not looked at any of those sites. I would like to point out that God gets the credit on that one.
As to me being a normal human male. I knew right after I typed that that it could be taken the wrong way. Yes, I have been made new by Christ. I am a new creature. By normal human male, I was merely stating that the desires of pretty much every man. Men like women. Men are attracted to women. No matter your spiritual condition, men are drawn to women (unless you have been called by God to be a enuch). But, and that's a big but...We are of course still accountable for the way we act and think about women. I just wanted to clarify those points. My above comment was not meant to be a confession of some sort...it was just an example of why Christians should question Myspace. I agree that we should flee temptation. I hope my comment did not imply differently.
In love. |
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Author: jojojo
Posted Nov 01 2007 08:37:32am
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Hi all,
To Myspace-ing or not to Myspace-ing..I'm 23 and those social network activities have been big in my generation. It could be intended as anything, from ministry to pornographic, from music promotion to business. Yet, I agree with Hisway for stating 'Myspace is not a safe place for Christian', because being a Christian, with all the God's guidance and grace, we still human with flesh living in this wicked world.
I have a Myspace account but never really used it (I like Facebook better) and I regularly checking on Myspace for there are official UNITED's account (a Christian youth ministry from Aussie) and also accounts of their members. I love to read their blogs, they are so honest and exciting. Well, some of the blokes are married, and yet they've received massive amounts of comments; from supporting comments, 'religious' comments to flirty comments from random 'Christian' girls! (Knowing the marriage status because it's stated on the page).
This is my deeper concern. I believe their wives would not appreciate this condition whatever the reasons are..(Stating this line, I'm not trying to judge whoever:)). Somehow, for what intended for goodness, we can't always control the situation because we've entered something that was not made initially for 'Christian environment'.
Asides from every great men, women, preachers and evangelists who have been called to ministering thru Myspace and I'm greatly respect it, I'm strongly advise not to engaged in Myspace-ing activity as it may brings you 'concealed danger' such as adultery, egocentric, lusting, covetousness and many more. :0
For closing, I'd like to give this small illustration taken from Christine Caine:
"When you found a cliff, a very deep dark cliff, you wouldn't try to measure yourself by walking as nearer with the cliff as possible. You may not know how and when, it's possible a strong wind blew and jerked you down. You wanted to reside as far as possible, as safe as possible". That is the philosophy I'm using in every aspect in life, not just in this Myspace thing. :D
Hope my posting acts as blessing and not the contrary:)
In Jesus' love,
Jojo |
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Author: beloveddaughterofgod
Posted Nov 01 2007 09:06:07pm
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Wow, this blog has received a lot of comments. I've had a myspace page twice and have had to get rid of it twice. The first time I talked my parents into allowing me to get a page when I was 17 on it. My parents were very hesitant but I promised that I would make it a private page, only viewable by my friends and that I wouldn't reveal any personal information. However one night when I couldn't sleep I had a strange sense that someone was watching me. I felt very uneasy so I asked God why I felt this way and I felt that He was telling me that I should get rid of my page because it wasn't safe. Even though it was midnight by about now I immediately cancelled my page. Some of my friends thought that I was a little weird for doing that but you know I don't really care. I just want to be obedient to what I believe God is saying to me.
After about a year I sort of pushed off that warning and got a page again. I was once again very sensible with it making it a private account, not giving out information and only allowing friends who I had met in real life to add me, apart from a couple of people who were friends of friends. However recently when I was at a church service I asked God if there was anything in my life that He didn't want to be there. God challenged me about the fact that I was spending a lot of time on there. Things like that can be quite addictive to be totally honest. You can waste tonnes of time on it and afterwards think "why was I on there for all that time? what a waste." So God didn't ask me to give it up but I realised that my time would be better spent seeking Him than on myspace - so once again I deleted my page. I don't believe I was in danger this time. I got rid of it because I realised I was spending too much time on it - time that I should be spending with God. God was challenging me to put Him first in my life.
God is not calling every person to do what I did. He speaks to each of us in different ways and at different times. I'm not going to tell anyone that they should or shouldn't have myspace. I am not going to say that it is wrong or right. All I can say friend is that it is vitally important that you listen to God above all. Don't reason it out in your head. Because it is too easy to get the result that you would like to get rather than truly hearing from God when you do that. I implore you to seek God on the issue. To say "Lord, I have all these ideas and arguments for/against myspace but I am going to lay them aside. What are you saying to me God?" Now I know that there are some who may not be willing to do that but friend, brothers and sisters in Christ, I want to challenge you. If you truly love the Lord and want His will and purpose to be done in your life please seek Him, be willing to hear His voice even when He gives you an answer that you don't want to hear.
I love you all and I hope that you will choose His way and not your own, whatever His will may be.
God Bless you all. Keep following Jesus. He is totally amazing! A sister in Christ. |
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Author: ru07nik
Posted Nov 28 2007 01:16:26pm
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I totally 100% agree with you about MySpace. I have an account there but since I have become a Christian and found this wonderful place I don't use it anymore! |
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Author: tornconflicts
Posted Dec 01 2007 12:10:53am
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The anonymity of the net brings out the worst in people. I don't use Myspace. I have used Myspace to keep in touch with old friends... Myspace isn't evil. Neither is heroin. But an addiction like this isn't good. The evil, apathy and indifference from so much garbage consumption is waste. Read a book, go to the gym - heck... watch cartoons. Even better, have a cup of coffee with the guy down the street. There is more constructive things to do with our time. Myspace has such a high condensation of selfish individuals. People get caught in that addiction and forget to live life. The anonymity of the Internet has brought the worst out in people.
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"A fourteen-year-old girl testified in San Jose that she had sexual relations with a twenty-two-year old man she met on MySpace two years ago." - Yahoo Article
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Outrageous right? I know I don't want MY 13 year old sister sleeping with a grown man. She is still a little girl. HORRIBLE.
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Go to you-tube or Google and type these tags... horror, myspace and story. You'll be so angry at what you see you'll wonder if the lord has already come and we've missed it.
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If I want some lies and ungarnered hate... I've got the #'s. |
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Author: banemaler
Posted Dec 02 2007 11:26:21pm
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MySpace is a place in cyberspace just like America is a place on Earth. Everything you find there you can find anywhere in the "real world". As a Christian I would press people to not write off the site because it isn't exclusively Christian. In fact that is exactly what you shouldn't do. Would Jesus have decided that MySpace was hopeless and there was no good in it because some people there want to be crude? What about the opportunity to share your faith, ideas, world views, and everything else that goes with being social. This also goes for Facebook which I consider to be a far superior site. I think this has a lot to do with there being less media/corporate control which I believe brings a lot of these things to the sites. There are good people and bad people everywhere you go. To exclude yourself from everywhere and everything you don't believe in and not be a part of a social event would be disastrous for Christians and I believe the problems that you are so against on these sites would grow further into other things. |
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Author: greybear
Posted Dec 03 2007 05:33:23am
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Well, I thought I'd drop a little not in here since I was reading this . . . again.
Sodom and Gomorrah and the Flood. Where is a good destructive hacker when ya need one.
Oh ya, "Whoa to those whose have not fled the city."
LOL, if God is ready to destroy MySpace he will.
IC,
GreyBear |
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Author: jklmmom
Posted Dec 22 2007 09:24:45pm
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a little late in the discussion, but i had to add my 2 cents worth. why not? :-) before reading further, please understand my heart. i'm not judging, just putting out a point of view here.
i read in an earlier blog the opinion that JESUS wouldn't join myspace, but i had to wonder about that. i mean, he did associate with tax collectors, samaritans, prostitutes... right? i don't feel that's it's too inconceivable to think that perhaps he would join myspace to be around those who need him most. perhaps he does that through us? it's just a thought. please don't be hatin' on those of us with myspaces. i have very good reasons for being there, and i spent a lot of time with GOD and the wise people he placed in my path before i joined. i have made a difference there for a few, and i know others who have as well. i believe that we can be light in the dark world of cyberspace. i almost didn't post this for fear of being criticized, but i wanted to encourage those who minister online. GOD bless. |
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Author: jklmmom
Posted Dec 23 2007 11:36:52am
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i can't believe i'm doing this again, but i felt like i needed to clarify the term "hatin'." it's a slang thing, not literal hate. i'm not saying that anyone here hates anybody, believe me. it basically means "give someone a hard time." no hate or anger involved. i'm sorry if anyone thought otherwise. slang doesn't always translate in the written realm.
i'm not saying that we have to join islam to witness to islamic people, etc. my sister-in-law was a missionary to muslims. she didn't join the religion, but she did have to go to the muslim country. myspace is a place people "go." ...and to witness or influence myspacers, you kind of need to go there. it's just different because it's a virtual rather than literal place. i don't feel i need to defend or justify going to myspace, and i don't consider it an attack on my faith to be questioned. it's good to have people ask because it helps us be ready to give an answer. and when making the decision whether or not to myspace, i definitely kept an open mind and heart. i realize that we all seem to have our own unchanging opinions. and maybe we're wrong on this, but a number of ministers i know (both salaried and lay) have encouraged each other to get out there in cyberworld because we feel like this is a new mission field GOD has made ripe for the harvesting. we're going to a "place" where people are searching...many just don't know yet the real friend they're looking for is JESUS. i see that we may disagree, and i'm ok with that. just thought i'd add to the conversation what my thoughts are. perhaps it will help someone understand those of us who do the myspace thing. hope that's ok. |
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Author: jklmmom
Posted Dec 25 2007 08:13:56am
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down, boy. no one is contradicting truth or calling GOD a liar...just responding to a point you were trying to make earlier. i am a minister. i and my ministry friends feel it is important for us to be light on myspace. we're not taking this lightly. and we're not trying to lead people astray or do what is right in our own eyes with no regard for scripture. we are very much led by the SPIRIT, not by religion. that's why we do this. for me personally, i don't want to stay in a bubble and separate myself from those who need JESUS. not only do i feel like i need to be on myspace, but i like it, too. i feel free to share, discuss, open up my life to others without fear of being condemned, bullied, criticized or judged unfairly. i am on myspace to touch lives, to help those who are searching. and after some real thought and reflection, i think i must stay on myspace rather than christian alternatives because i don't belong here. i need to go to those who are searching and need GOD. they are all over myspace and are waiting for people like me who don't have all the answers, who aren't perfect, who are loving and accepting and caring to show them a FRIEND who loves them no matter who they are or what they've done. that's it for me. my place is myspace. i am needed there. goodbye, all, and GOD bless. |
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Author: John Abela
Posted Dec 27 2007 10:39:56am
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Hello All,
This Blog Entry has been locked down for the last 24 hours (or thereabout) and I felt it was time to go ahead and unlock it for further public discussion.
We have had to lock down this particular blog twice now, which we do not mind doing, but it does allow me to present something the Lord put on my heart, to share with all of you.
I would ask that before anybody else replies to this Blog Entry about MySpace that you would first read this blog entry and think about what it is you are doing for the Kingdom of God here on earth.
I would further ask that everybody keep themselves in check. Some times people think they are being attacked when they are not - and other times people feel they are not attacking when they are.
A piece of advice I always try to tell people who are just getting into blogging and commenting on blogs is, "Never reply twice to the same blog entry within a 24 hour period!"
Being the owner of ChristianBlog.Com since it was started over two years I am convinced that if people followed this guideline, 99% of the problems we have at ChristianBlog.Com would never happen in the first place.
So, to close this off... I would just encourage everybody to spend some time reading this blog and spend some more time thinking about how often you reply to any given blog in a single day -- you might just find yourself a bit more at peace with yourself and others.
Thank you,
John B. Abela
Founder/Owner, ChristianBlog.Com |
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Author: dougrea
Posted Dec 31 2007 05:10:45pm
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There is nothing in the Bible about Myspce. I love my page and the social netwoking it brings. It is like anything else - what you make of it. |
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Author: kreynolds
Posted Dec 31 2007 09:10:40pm
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Wow. This stirs up a lot of feelings. I do not have a My Space account nor have I ever been on it. I hesitated about responding at first, but I couldn't help but remember a similar conversation I had with my son when he was 15. The issue wasn't My Space back then. The issue was how a Christian interacts with the world around them. We're supposed to reach out to our world and we can't do that if we isolate ourselves completely from non-Christians. Sometimes the only contact Christians have with non-Christians is when they're attempting to convert them. No wonder a lot of people want to avoid us. I'm afraid we're more motivated by making ourselves feel like we're attempting to fulfill the Great Commission rather than having real love and concern for the individual.
Arguments uh...discussions on both sides have valid points. Some people say stay away completely. Some people say this is just a way to keep in touch with their friends and they monitor what goes on. Others say they use this as a means to minister to others.
So, what did Jesus do? Where did you find him? Jesus appears to have spent a lot of time with people (and in places) deemed inappropriate by religious people of the time. However, if you look at these situations carefully, you will find that Jesus was not influenced by those around him or by sinful environments. Instead, Jesus influenced those who were around him and impacted the environment around him.
I told my son that in relationships with non-Christian friends, he needed to influence them, not the other way around. If he found they were influencing him, then he needed to either change that or walk away from that relationship because he wasn't helping them or himself.
In conclusion, I think the words of Philippians 4:8 are important guidelines for all of us.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Phil. 4:8 (NIV)
If your involvement in anything (including My Space) hinders you from doing the above, you need to flee from it! Flee means to get away from it now...not tomorrow. It also means to stay away from it and stop thinking about it. Confess it to God, receive his forgiveness and turn away from it.
Secondly, if you are being influenced by anything that is not godly, you also need to flee from it. You're a poor witness if the world is impacting what you say, feel or do. Why should they follow Christ if you're acting like their way is better.
Finally, examine yourself daily. Are you walking in obedience to Christ or are you walking in obedience to doing what you want to do, regardless of what God says.
May we all set aside our own will and desire and conform to the will and desire of God in all things |
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Author: John Abela
Posted Jan 01 2008 10:02:27pm
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We have once again had to lock this blog entry and delete some comments...
From here out, any further attacks against ANYBODY within this Blog Entry and we just start issuing warnings against members accounts for personal attacks (you only get three before your account is terminated) - something strictly forbidden by our policies.
We have had to ONCE AGAIN lock down this blog - that is twice in ONE WEEK - and we are getting tired of doing so.
So, take this as what it is... a final warning to anybody attempting to attack the Blog Author (who we have YET to see attack somebody ANYWHERE in this blog) or personal attacks aimed at anybody else involving themselves in this blog entry.
I happen to enjoy this blog entry... but really folks... stop and think before you press that "submit" button...
Thank you,
John B. Abela |
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Author: jukabe3
Posted Feb 18 2008 07:23:26pm
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I realize I'm a bit late on this but I'm a new member. The Myspace topic caught my attention because I have a myspace account. I was going to talk about the leaven of the Pharisees and how this is basically judging others and acting as if you are "more righteous", "more holy" or "more saved". Oh, I had a few things to say. Then I got off the site for awile, and I was convicted by the Holy Spirit. I have been on and off myspace a few times in the past 3 years since I recieved Christ as my Lord and Savior. I tell myself(and was going to write here) about how I can easily keep in touch with my family members in Ohio and all that. But when the Holy Spirit spoke to me, I realized why I really stayed on the site. I feel the need to get it out here as I have already prayed and repented. I had an affair about a year before my salvation and the man I was with is on myspace and we keep in touch. Not often and we don't get personal but, I know, that does not matter!!! My true motivation is looking forward to his messages. I have done it before but I will delete my page after this and please pray for me. I just wanted to be honest with myself and everyone here because I honestly didn't realize until now what I was really doing. I guess this would be the leaven of Herod, settling in your sin. Excuse me, I have work to do! |
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Author: militarywife
Posted Feb 23 2008 09:47:38am
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I have a myspace page and I believe it can and is a blessing to many. God gives us a platform to work with it is our responsibility to ensure we use it appropriately. After all isn't it the "sick" who need a doctor? |
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Author: militarywife
Posted Feb 23 2008 11:07:17pm
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I see your point and after alittle reflecting I can honestly say NO I do not think MySpace is good for ALL Christians.
I was reading early, a devotion from by a dear friend, it focused on being aware of little things that may cause stumbling. Yes, MySpace could be dangerous for some.
I am praising God for the ministry and platform He has blessed me with.
I do not feel your blog condenms MySpace at all. I think it raises a wonderfully needed question.
God Bless you. |
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Author: childoftheking
Posted Feb 24 2008 04:18:41pm
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I am a substitute teacher and I mostly substitute in High School. If students are on the computer doing work,
you can bet if you start walking around the classroom the students will start minimizing my space pages.
Circulating in a class in 1 given hour anytime I sub. I will say"Get off my Space" at least 20 times. I have seen some of the stuff they are looking at and it is a shame.I agree with you my space is the Sodom and Gomorrah of
Cyberworld. Cindi |
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Author: novagadsden
Posted Mar 03 2008 08:04:15am
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As a singer, and Woman of God. I personally feel good about being on myspace. I am able to speak to those who I wouldn't see at church or at a christian event about the love of the Lord. I will continue to let my light shine. |
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Author: childoftheking
Posted Mar 16 2008 05:04:23am
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I have been spending some time thinking about this MY SPACE business. You would have to be very strong in the faith to use it.
But if evangelizing on My space just saved on soul to the glory of God. Than it would be worth it.
Jesus did sit down with sinners and publicans. How else can we as Christians bring a lost soul to Jesus than to sit down with them and show them the Love of God.
I want to change what I said earlier...Yes...My space could be used as a tool of God..
But all you Christians who do get on MY SPACE, remember the devil is out there, and he would love to win you back.
I would say only do the MY SPACE thing if you are very strong in faith. Cindi |
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Author: j0ndafr3ak
Posted Jun 13 2008 04:42:30am
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Hey bro!
I agree with you with all you said, though i voted 'I have a myspace account' cause i actually do have one (duh!) which i rarely log in to though. I just use it to keep in touch with my far off friends (i havent used it at all lately)..
I had to delete a girl from my friend list the other day cause in her pic she was wearing a bikini and since i'm not an eunuch i'd rather have it cancelled at once.. but yeah i know what you mean, and myspace is not one of the best places Christian should go.. even though I've seen even worse websites where homosexuality was freely shown-off as if it was natural to behave in a certain way.
God bless! |
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Author: lorilaws
Posted Jul 04 2008 08:41:54am
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This is such a good blog topic. I am new to blogging, and I've read to increase traffic to your website, it is advisable to sign up w/ facebook and myspace to network and increase readership. Facebook...I enjoy. Myspace...a different story. I immediately was discerning that this indeed was very demonic. But on the other hand, we christians have to step out of the comfort of "only being w/ other christians". You hit the nail on the head when you made it clear we must use discernment - we must go out lambs among wolves. This doesn't mean to be naive. In Luke 10, Jesus says, "I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and nothing wil everl hurt you." Again...discernment. Pray! Pray! Pray!
Great blog! |
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Author: dangdude14
Posted Jul 11 2008 06:33:03am
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I don't agree w/ you on this...I htink that it all comes down to the maturity of the Christian...me being 17 know what I should and shouldnt look at...sure the Enemy is always there to get me down but if im afraid to get away from every place that de devil is at then i would have no where to go...everywhere i look the enemy is there ready to take me down w/ him...i wouldnt be able to play a sport, go to school, watch tv, or anything that you might think is ordinary and all cause im afraid of the devil...
sure the devil is waiting for people on myspace, but myspace is being used by Christians to get others to Christ, there are alot of bands, some which i personally know, that put their music of myspace and there testimonies, and many teens go on those sites and start reading and repent...now how can you be against something that is geting sould for the one we should be living for...every tool that a Christian uses will be used by the devil as well...its just about how you use it...
Take the Bible for example...we can say that Jesus knows what we feel and he had real feelings while here on earth and in Heaven this can be shown in John 35:11..."Jesus wept"...but the devil can use the same verse to tell someone that Jesus was weak and couldnt take something as simple as the death of a friend...these qualitites to which the world percieves as not one of a leader or someone you should trust...
So i really dont agree w/ you there...Myspace is only as good as long as you use it right... |
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Author: tripsing
Posted Jul 26 2008 09:14:33pm
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GOD's Word Tells us to seek Christ and lead a spirit filled life
More and more today, our youth are being turned to this world and Satan's lies. Satan has blinded the people of this world, not only the lost, but there are Christians out there that think they can play in and around in the things that are of this world and it not rub off on them.. In modern Christianity I see so much influence of the world in every ministry and church service that goes on. The adults are the ones that decide to allow the world into their lives and homes. The adults of this world resemble the adults in modern liberal Christianity. The adults are to blame for the way the youth are being guided today. If parents truly loved their children than they would want them to follow after Christ's example, not Hollywood's example. So much of the youth are being destroyed by Satan and his lies. I know this because I grew up in the world and know firsthand what devices Satan will use to cause the youth to fall out by the way. And Satan is laughing every time the child of God thinks that it does not have any influence on them. I am in my thirties so I can say much of what Satan uses today, were many of the same things that he used twenty years ago. Things like drugs, rock-n-roll, sex, popularity and peer pressure were things that I faced as a teen, and many of the teenagers today are falling victim by these same tactics, only now Satan has a few more arrows in his quiver to shoot down the young person. With the internet today, kids and teenagers have instant access to all manner of wicked devices. They can look up how to buy and even make drugs. They can find out how to make pipe bombs and read Satan's bible all on the same website. Satan is so devious that if you click on certain web sites the pornography just flies off the computer screen. All this and much much more are available to these teens by the click of their mouse. Pornography is captivating young minds, and causing an instant addiction to the flesh once the screen presents them with no holds barred sexual deviant acts. Satan is real and is seeking our youth in many ways, but I wish to address one way in which many teens, as well as, their parents are being deceived by Satan himself. This avenue in which is very popular today is the internet and the various web sites and chat rooms that are out their. Many of which require no password or credit card number to access, but by just logging on to their computer (most times without any adult supervision) our children are being destroyed every day by the use of a computer. I see how many kids are fascinated with the internet every time I go into a public library. Parents are dropping their kids off at the library thinking that it will be good for them to read books and look up school based activities on the internet, but these kids are not looking up "The life span of a potato bug", they are looking up things like pornography or adult web sites to include chat rooms like "MY Space". These are nine and ten year old kids talking to adults on web sites that are supposed to be for adults. The typical parent today is clueless. The average parent today does not even see anything wrong with it, in fact they are letting them do it. Preaching to the adults that are on these web sites is one thing, but they are old enough to live in sin if they choose too. But the kids don't know better!!. These children are opening themselves up to sexual predators, as well as, being a part of a web sites that this world praises read somewhere once that we are supposed to be different form the world. I read somewhere once that we are to go out among them and be Ye separate. I read somewhere once that if we say we know the truth, yet we walk in darkness, we lie and the truth is not in us Oh yeah, GOD words says that we are to be not of this world, but we are to be transformed, completely contrary to this sin-filled world. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God
It's one thing if your lost, dead in your trespasses and sins, but if you claim that you are saved by the blood of the only sinless Son of God, then you are not...in any way... absolutely not supposed to continue in your sin and resemble this ungodly world. If you are a child of God, and you allow your children to listen to rock-n-roll, if you are a child of the King and let your kids log onto a web site like "MySpace" then you are allowing your kids to talk to sexual predators. "My Space" has had a known membership for 385,932 registered sex offenders in 46 states, mined from the Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Registry website
Our Children are counting on the right kind of leadership from their parents. It is not only the responsibility of the local pastor to make sure that the kids are doing right. It starts in the home I have seen some so called Christian kids turn into teenagers, and now they resemble the world. I would like to blame everybody but the parents, but I know that these now worldly teenagers got it from their parents The parents are the ones to blame I pray to God that I stay focused on Christ and His Word, and flee from this world, Satan and all of the traps that he has set for mankind
If you love your kids then you will invade their privacy. You will ensure that they are not listening to the wrong music. You will ensure that they are not hanging out with the wrong friends, and put a stop to it when they do. If you love your kids you will make sure they are not watching the wrong things on T.V. If you love your kids, then you will absolutely forbid them to use the computer for anything other than school reports and essays. And that means with supervision If you make the excuse that your kids are not always under your supervision, they are not with you 24 hours a day...Then you need to make sure that when they are not under your supervision, then they are with people and at places that hold GOD up, and not this world...
You say you love your kids, but you let them play on web sites that have evil, wicked people searching for prey. It is now common knowledge in America that there are sexual predators on these chat room type web sites Yet most continue to ignore the warning signs and allow their kids to play with fire. Teenagers will and do have moments of weakness. Teenagers often make costly mistakes... ..The world is not getting better. Hearts are waxing colder and colder... We as a so called Christian nation are abandoning God and His Word...My Space is just a small tool in Satan's bag of tools, but it is effective... Why side with this world...These people will seek out your children...They will destroy their testimony if anything else...It happens everyday.
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. |
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Author: childofjesus
Posted Jul 27 2008 01:12:57am
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i'm sorry but I disagree, i don't beieve the website it's self is bad but simply some of the people on it and you can chose what you expose yourself to. The way i see it is people on mysapce need to know the love of Christ too, i mean look at where Jesus went he hung out with sinners and invited them for dinner. So the way i see it is myspace may have some bad and unapporpraite things but I believe it is also a great way of reaching out to the lost and broken souls that God calls us to do. The website is only as bad as the people chose to use it, you can chose who your friends are , you can choose what you want to view, you can choose what bulletins to read. While it may be a place of sin thats where so many people need to know the love of Christ, how are we going to reach out to people if wwe stay on Christian websites all the time where people understnad and encourage you in Christ while there is a whole nother world and website that is slowly slipping away from the glory of God and they are crying out for hope and if Christians aren't on myspace who is going to give them that hope and that love they need. certainly not the world. While I see where you are going wtih this I disagree and I believe that the people on mysapce need to know the Love of Christ just as much as we do.
God Bless
-Laurie |
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Author: tripsing
Posted Jul 27 2008 06:16:58am
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Hey Hisway
Good Bible believing Churches are rare these days.
we drive 75 miles on way to go to church.
we believe the King James Bible is the inspired word of God.
and We all should be separated from the word.
If we are using Myspace we need be very careful.
even if we say we are trying to reach sinners.
I know we are to seek sinners, But be very careful!!
you should not let you kids on myspace for sure.
I tried one time and Satan had a field day with me and my wife.
just the name of myspace speaks of the flesh
My it all about me... me... me
not Him Him Him...
Seek Ye the Lord it's all about HIM
Let Not my will, but thine will be done Father |
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Author: muellerjcfreak
Posted Jul 30 2008 09:50:52am
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I did not read all of the blog, or all of these comments, allthough I am a member of Myspace. The thing that bothers me is the people who are against myspace are the people who are ignorant to it. Myspace is totally your personal choices. Yea someone could just click on the almost naked girl's myspace, but they have to go find her... If your on myspace for the same reason the motto states "a place for friends" its not bad at all. I add people I know from school, or church, or elsewhere and there's really no trouble to get into. It's just a website to write down who you are, what your likes and dislikes are. stuff like that. I really dont see how it's bad at all. |
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Author: tripsing
Posted Aug 01 2008 07:56:47pm
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Hello everyone,
Well the Bible says in
Romans 12:2 And be not CONFORMed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
our personal choices tend to get us in a heap of trouble!!
we need to rely on Jesus to guide or paths
Peter said in 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
He said Be a Peculiar People called out of darkness into His light
This seems pretty clear to me
that I should not look like the world...
I should not dress like the world...
I should not talk like the world...
I shouldn't want to be like the world...
I should not want the things the world wants... period...
I should have a burning desire to be Like Christ!!
the Bible says "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you,
and when they shall SEPARATE you from their company"
Lu 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall SEPARATE you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
My space is full of the world... worldly things mean trouble for Christians!!
Seek ye Him that saved you... we should be transformed by his power
into a new a creature that seeks his Face
God even told Moses that we would be separate from other people in
Ex 33:16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be SEPARATED, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
I am just trying to tell anyone who will listen about myspace dangers.
please listen to God and His word If he is speaking to you Please listen
he said in 2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
and those of you who are trying to witness on myspace,
when was the last time someone said I received Christ because of your myspace page???
we should witness publicly, even house to house or make a website for getting saved, but it's a far stretch on myspace.
Paul said in Ac 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Paul's 20/20 "Act's 20:20" vision caused him to go from house to house spreading the good news that Jesus Saves. |
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Author: poodlelady
Posted Aug 22 2008 09:54:38am
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humblestephen
You are right -the question can not be answered as a generalized question - each must answer for themself.
Is this MySpace or HisSpace? Again this question can not be generalized -it is an individual question envolving many question -primarly how is one using their My Space? |
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Author: pharadox
Posted Aug 29 2008 01:45:47pm
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So... when Jesus came for the repentence of sinners he was... compromising? I think a great many people would highly disagree with that. There's a world of difference between going into a place with your guard down and going into it with the Strength of God and His Will on your side. Where would so many of us be if someone had not entered our den of sin and darkness and shone their light of God upon us? Yet, we are not to do the same for others... because we don't have faith in our God enough to guide our intentions in being there? For our own selfish self-preservation? If Paul had thought only of what was "good for himself", would he have fulfilled the Will of God? I guarantee you prison is a den of sin. The desire to preserve self above All Else seems to be a much greater compromise, as far as I'm concerned. Of course Myspace is a den of sin. But I must inform you, Myspace is a reflection of the sinful world at large. Are you going to hide yourself away as a hermit next in fear that you may otherwise stumble about the wrong corner? Obviously, if God tells you as an individual to stay clear of it, there's a reason for that. That is why it is important to listen for His Voice first, foremost, and above all. |
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Author: pharadox
Posted Aug 30 2008 06:02:11am
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I actually read through about half of the comments here but I do have a life away from the computer. I can't sit and read comments all day and there are a lot of them here. And I was aware that some of what I had said had been touched upon, but sometimes things need to be restated in different words as to make a different, more meaningful impact.
When I read comments like "because we don't have faith in our God enough to guide our intentions in being there? For our own selfish self-preservation?" and "The desire to preserve self above All Else seems to be a much greater compromise, as far as I'm concerned. " is what I consider an attack on those here who do not agree with your opinion. Are they in the Spirit of Christ?
... It's okay for you to say that willingness to go in there is a compromise, but not okay for me to say utter unwillingness to go is a compromise? Okay then. You saying any one who goes into myspace for secular reasons is compromising... is not an attack. I'm sorry, but if mine is an attack on people who disagree, so is yours. For that matter, anyone who states a negative opinion on any action is attacking those who disagree and we can never, ever express displeasure at any action ever again.
I felt that your stance on myspace was too black and white. I stand by my statement that many people are so overly concerned with preserving themselves above all else however that they do not always listen to The Voice, telling them when to go and not to go. For that matter, I've been that person before. And anyone who personally takes offense at my stance may be for a reason. After all, if they are listening to God and following His Will, what offense is there to take? Is unwilliningness to listen to the Will of God because of excessive love of self not a compromise? How am I attacking if I am saying the Truth?
For the most part, your response was well said. But you seem to be of the opinion quite a bit that anyone that disagrees with you is "attacking" rather than simply stating a different view.
God Bless You. |
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